"If humans are like voles and the mechanistic theory of human bonding is correct, then fidelity that grounds pair-bonding would be a form of addiction, as discussed in the previous essay."
"An obvious counter is that while crack addiction is seen as bad because of the harms of crack, the addiction that causes pair bonding should be generally regarded as good because of its consequences."
"If fidelity is a matter of chemistry (in the literal sense), then it would not seem praiseworthy. After all, a lasting bond that forms is merely a matter of a mechanical process."
The mechanistic view of love suggests that fidelity may stem from biochemical processes, similar to addiction. While fidelity is celebrated in society, its worthiness as a virtue is questioned. If fidelity is merely a result of chemical bonding, it may not deserve praise. The benefits of pair bonding do not necessarily validate fidelity as a virtue. The distinction lies in whether the biochemical basis of fidelity can be equated with the negative connotations of addiction, challenging its moral standing.
Read at A Philosopher's Blog
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